Now I know this may be a little woo-woo for some, but it's a subject near and dear to my heart. Being the analytical sort that I'm sometimes prone to be, the idea that stones might have metaphysical properties has had me somewhat... enamored. There's a beauty in the mysticism and power of nature, that we are, despite our preoccupations and cell phones and technology, just a small part of a wonderful tapestry of energy, for lack of a better word.

For the sake of argument (and because it's fun), let's just assume stones have this special ability to affect our physical, emotional and mental capacities, to access within us a little untapped potential and bring a little joy to an otherwise hectic and fevered life. I mean, really now...... how is this a bad thing?

As a jewelry artist, gemstones play a vital role in the work I do and the pieces I create.... how I create, I'd even say. I get to be unapologetic with my habit of assigning personality to the shapes my wire form, so much so that, of late, I've taken to naming my creations: the "Goddess Gaia" pendant, for instance, or the "Shakti" pendant. And these creations become an extension of my own energy or vibration, or whatever esoteric word you might like to ascribe to the creation process.

I've had, since my childhood, a propensity to fidget. I tap my foot, rub the hem of my shirt between my fingers, move the hair from my face fifteen times an hour. Perhaps this is a symptom of my life-long battle with anxiety, or perhaps (if I dare get a little spiritual here) it might be the symptom of a disconnect with the energy of earth.

Follow me here.

Have you ever, even once, perhaps in your youth, owned what many have coined "worry stones"? Those smooth, palm-sized gemological miracles with that glorious little divot perfect for our fidgeting thumbs? I had a whole collection of them. Still do in fact. And, over the years, I've discovered that which stone I choose to soothe my fidgets is entirely dependent on my mood, or the circumstances for my anxiety.

When I am sad, for instance, the warmth of citrine is my stone of choice. When I'm anxious, hematite grounds me. When I'm distracted, black tourmaline sings to my creative soul. And, when I ache for a little self-love, amethyst answers the call.

Whether or not these properties or uses meet any social "standard" among the metaphysical community is far less important to me than the very organic ways in which these stones find me when most needed.

I think there's a beauty to that. To the natural pull we feel to stones, whether we associate that pull with any ethereal, indefinable energy or not. If it pleases us, gives us peace, allows us to smile when we otherwise might have reason to frown, I'd say their purposes in our lives are well met.

Tell me, do you have a stone that calls to you when you are sad or anxious? Do you find yourself naturally gravitating towards the peaceful pull of rose quartz or the transforming allure of malachite? I'd love to hear about your experiences with your favorite stones. Leave them in the comments below!

I love rocks and stones. So much so, in fact I have over 20 tons of jasper, agates, jades and many other types of rocks. While I am wrapping, my rock saws are going. I am always careful not to "hurt the feelings" of any of my rocks. They are all special no matter how I use them. My saws keep cutting while I wrap my latest costum cabachon, Beads are great, but I can make cabs to any shape I want. Just one lucky girl!!

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Nicole Hanna

3/31/2017 10:53:14 pm

I love the phrase "hurt the feelings of your rocks". I think that perfectly describes how easy it is to personify something that impacts our lives, no matter on what level they do so.

Hi Nicole,
As a grown man I'm not so crazy about stones now. But interesting thing, when I read your article I have started to remember my childhood. When you see a great stone and grab it. After awhile you starting to think that it has magic power and make you stronger or smarter! Thanks, it was nice to feel like a little boy again :)

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Nicole Hanna

3/31/2017 10:53:51 pm

I invite everyone to revisit their childhood at least once a day!

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Deana

3/24/2017 03:16:55 pm

I had a worry stone once. I completely forgot about that. I don't even recall where I got it. I will have to find another, as I did find it very soothing.

It's interesting what you said about your moods in relation to the citrine and amethyst. I just bought my first stone the other day, when I was feeling a little blue. It's an ametrine. : )

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Nicole Hanna

3/31/2017 10:56:07 pm

I've learned to pay attention to those little synchronicities... those odd little coincidences. How we can feel better around one object and worse around another, even if it's only psychosomatic. I say, if it improves your day, no reason not to do it, right?

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Theresa

3/31/2017 06:41:32 am

Have you considered perhaps you're too connected i.e. an empath? One of your previous posts had mentioned how tense and anxious you get in crowds. All this random energy and emotional turmoil can be picked up by someone sensitive to it and it can be really irritating to have all those dissonant frequencies around. If that's the case, there are exercises to dampen all the incoming noise.
I had a drawer full of rocks as a kid, still pick them up when we go to the creek or the farm. Now my 3 year old does it and I let her. I know the joy they bring.

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Nicole Hanna

3/31/2017 10:57:33 pm

These days there's nothing I wont consider, so it's a pretty good possibility.

I loved watching my kids go through the rock-collecting phase. My 21 year old still has some of the stones he gravitated towards in his pre-teen years.

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Becky

4/4/2017 02:15:26 am

I love them all! I seem to gravitate toward earthy autumn colors. Lately it's been black onyx and black tourmaline. Recently I noticed one (black tourmaline) seemed to take a "hit" for me. It was smooth and shiny when I put it in my pocket, later I came into a dangerous situation. When I returned home it had several hairline cracks and lost its shine. It may seem woo woo but I am taking special care of that one for now.

I by no means want to knock what some feel about the energy of, or they 'hear the stone speak'. I am a believer in a Creator God and His son, Jesus, and that is my source of life.
I would like to tell you about 2 instances where this 'belief' issue came up. First being a my cousin, who was diagnosed with cancer. I gave a boulder opal pendant to her and someone who saw it, then ranted on that it was an amulet, probably with a curse put on it!!!! LIKE REALLY?!?!? Second was a teenage girl that was so convinced that this apache tear was warding off all this evil, negative energy that seemed to plague her contantly, if she didn't have it on her person all the time. She couldn't leave it with me long enough for me to wrap it! Poor soul!! What state would she be in if she ever lost it? To put that much faith in a little rock wow........
My 2 cents on the subject.

I believe in the healing properties of crystals. That is why I got into wire wrapping, so I could wear them everyday. Thanks for the article.

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Pam

4/25/2017 03:56:24 pm

Hi Deanna. As I read your comment, I immediately thought of the verse in Luke where the Pharisees told Jesus to rebuke his disciples for praising Jesus as they led him into Jerusalem on a donkey colt. Verse 40 says (NIV) "I tell you, he replied, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
I think God left some of His energy in everything He created.

I have always been fascinated with stones and minerals. My grandfather used to bring me boxes of geodes and we would break them open together. The whole reason I started down the path of jewelry making and wire wrapping was because I had so many stones just lying around the house and in the garage. I don't know if this ever happens to you, but I can sometimes feel the stones vibrate when I'm holding them, especially if I am in need of that particular one. I am an Aquarius so many times I use Amythest and Garnet to calm my racing mind. Anytime I feel muscle tension (especially in my neck and shoulders from making jewelry) I place hematite or black toumaline on the areas affected and I can literally feel the pain wash away. If I feel fatigued and need energy, I have a couple selenite wands that seem to perk me up when I hold them. When I feel like I'm getting a cold, snowflake obsidian seems to help with congestion. When I need inspiration, I keep a big chunk of lapis lazuli around my jewelry area. When I feel like the world is against me and nothing is going my way, I use flourite and unakite Jasper to feel less overwhelmed. I could probably go on for hours about my stones but I'll spare you. Who knows why they work the way they do. Perhaps it's all a placebo effect. All I know is that I made my skeptic of a husband a believer after curing his migraine with the combined application of acupressure and quartz points. So if it's a placebo effect, then I'm okay with that as long as I get the results that I am hoping for. At least they are beautiful.

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Pam

4/25/2017 11:32:55 pm

Kaci,
I so enjoyed your post. Until I started wire weaving I never thought about the healing properties of stones. I know almost nothing about them, but I was excited to read your usage for hematite. Recently I made a hematite necklace...just because. Most necklaces cause me to get muscle tension headaches, but this one did not. I found I could wear it for days with no difficulty and that after awhile I didn't even notice I had it on. I think I am going to have to incorporate this stone in all my necklaces from here on. Thanks for sharing. You have really peaked my interest and I now want to research uses for the different stones.

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Melanie

3/8/2018 01:50:30 am

I love this blog post!

In my opinion stones have healing powers. And they call you if you are in need for them. I work with Crystal Skulls, too, and every stone, if skull or not, has it's own personality.